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Time to read 12 min
When we put our egos to rest and look at our enthusiast life as a series of learning experiences and some failures that lead to victory, there is something very rewarding when we let ourselves discover and observe the accomplishments of others. As we began to build on an idea of profiling customers, highlighting their builds, and looking at the past, present, and hopeful future of their lives, we determined that the most important aspect of this concept was the overall reality. Each enthusiast has a unique story, background, motivation, and set of hopes and dreams they follow to keep them on this wild, automotive-loving roller coaster. The most inspiring part of each story is the same emotional thread that runs through each and every person. All were inspired to put their faith in a specific brand of car because of a life changing experience that not only made them remember the car, its capabilities, and its overall design, but also by how it made them feel in their heart. We feel that this is a unique thread within the Subaru community which is proven positive whether two enthusiasts break out in conversation in a small garage over an engine bay or yelling over engine roar at a national event with 15,000 in attendance. It is both a rewarding and inspiring process for anyone who reads a story about a dream which includes passion, sweat, frustration, missteps, and victory in the real world serving as its vehicle to bring a reality to fruition. So far this year our "Customer Series" has profiled two individuals with Subaru-loving goals born out of their own unique ideals and inspired background stories who satisfied their ultimate wish by ultimately piloting the car of their dreams. Our latest story takes us on a journey with another inspired individual who also had a dream but one he chose to mold, fire, and chisel away the rough edges until he created his own personal masterpiece. Diving into a modification and recreation from all sides is nothing short of pure artistic expression on another level and something that flows through many an enthusiast within the Subaru tribe. This story we hope will be both inspiring and motivational, but mostly, a lesson for the determined mind.
We hear so many stories about how a young enthusiast is born. Some were trucked back and forth to the racetrack as babies, toddlers, and teens by their parents who had been bitten by the bug and lived the car life as far back as they could remember. Smitten by that first memory of chrome, the smell of racing smoke and dust, and the fine mist of dirtexpelled by every vehicle they saw. Others were enticed by the creativity , the passion , and the mechanics behind the automotive life as they navigated through toolboxes and tired adults in home garages while holding flashlights and passing wrenches waiting for the time to be old enough, tall enough, and strong enough to tighten that first bolt. Many hearts fell with a simple glance through a car window watching that first special car pass by their sightline to let them know that this is what they cherish for many years to come. Whatever mold you fit into, as an enthusiast you understand the sweet affliction and find joy in discovering others just like you. As a kid growing up on Cape Cod, Evan Polin was not very different from many of the individuals who have dreamed and lived to pursue the Subaru enthusiast life, but his heart and passion would make him the creator of an inspired vehicle that only he could live through. At 34 years old, this owner of a brilliantly modified 1998 Subaru Impreza WRC Custom has grown up to become a seasoned Subaru enthusiast , mechanic , and mechanical engineer which must feel like a distant and somewhat challenging journey far away from his boyhood dreams and inspirations. We can only imagine his feelings as he looked back on those early days to remember when his passion for cars first began. "Growing up I was fortunate enough to be around a lot of talented mechanics and body men," Evan remembered. "So, as a young boy playing in the yard I would always love seeing the project cars/hot rods come to life. When I got older, I started playing Initial D Version 2 at the arcade and I would always pick the Subaru.", he explained. Like many of us in this community, Evan's boyhood dreams and teenage passions boiled over into a reality that changed his life. "After that, I picked up a project 2.5RS and things just snowballed into what I have now.”, he said. “I used this car to hone my mechanical skills along with my body work skills that I learned in my younger years."
As mentioned earlier, there is always an emotional launching point that transforms the average someone into the unique, car-obsessed enthusiast. There are no rules or specific recipes for how this metamorphosis should happen, but Evan does not stand alone from the crowd when remembering the first time he got pulled into the Subaru orbit almost 30 years ago. "I've always loved Subarus...but I remember one specific winter where I lived", Polin recalls, "We had a massive snowstorm and everyone was getting stuck", he said. "My neighbor Paul had an old 1992 Legacy mail wagon. He jumped in that wagon and drove right out!", he exclaimed. "Seven year old me was amazed and I remember asking my mom what kind of car that was, and she replied 'It's a Subaru.’ I was hooked". Experiences like this have proven to be a simple bridge for many enthusiasts whether they get bitten as a young kid or as an adult. There is always a realization that Subarus are different, unique, and fun leaving both a lasting impression that may not bear fruit for many years to come. Sometimes an individual will sharpen their skills, turn their wrench on many brands, models, and types, and build their love up over time to finally take the plunge on that one car, the one brand that has flirted with them for decades. Sometimes it takes time just to commit and turn your heart over to the car that has been calling to you. Again, when we parallel his experience, Evan is no different. "In 2013, around 11 years ago on my birthday, I decided I wanted a 'fun' car.", he confirmed while sharing the memory of his decision to buy his first Subaru. "So after a couple months of looking I found my first 2.5RS. My cousin and I drove out and bought it. After that I was instantly addicted to the sound and feel." As time passed, his passion grew and his desire to pursue performance and modification came into clearer focus. Taking another look back, Polin remembered the first performance car he owned and when he began to investigate and invest in his ongoing modification journey. "I've always had Impreza 2 door coupes as my main focus," he said. "First thing I did was swap the car after the original 2.5 N/A engine blew its head gasket but I always knew I wanted to make it turbo. After that it was a snowball effect of suspension/brake mods." Steadily building on his experience and skill set with every project, Evan grew towards being more than just an enthusiast and modifier, but also a self-taught expert. "I've always been a DIY kind of guy. I'm learning on the expert level these days but there is always room to learn and grow."
Taking a wide, “hind sight" view of a project like this, any serious enthusiast would need to admit that Evan's growth obviously took him on a modification and restorative journey that would consist of ups, downs, challenges, learning experiences, and unknown investment totals. That enthusiast would also be aware that these elements are a gift in the process when you look at the undertaking in a positive light. Evan's journey gave him valuable experience, knowledge and the determination to push forward through the fog and over the hills to get the job done no matter what the difficulty and obstacles would be in the road ahead. Fortunately, the ultimate reward that he can look back on today with pride is his accomplishment that was attained by him and him alone. "I did all the work myself from the wiring to the body work (full swap) which took so many hours and countless retries.", he explained. "I'd be lying if I told you this was the car's first paint job." Definitely a labor of love for his favorite brand and platform, Polin not only managed this project under his own steam and sweat, his investment of time, ingenuity , and yes, uncounted financial resources should prove to anyone that an extensive, long term modification and restoration project of this magnitude should never be taken lightly. Again, it is a commitment, that Evan will repeatedly confirm, makes the sometimes perceived "never-ending journey" what a true enthusiast lives their life to attempt to complete. "There were numerous nights I would hit a roadblock but like anything else in life you need to keep pushing through it and just focus on the end goal of your build.", he proudly explained. "It's not about the problems, it's just about a solution and how to make it work in your favor.", he confirmed. The work was not easy, but, as anyone in his position would admit, the time, effort, and the sum of all the parts which lead to success somehow cancel out the difficulty and expense when the work is done. "Countless times I had to custom make or hand make a part or piece to get the end goal accomplished.", Evan explained. "This particular chassis I had built for 4 years at the time was around 700+hours but collecting parts for around 11 years. It's hard to put an exact amount of time into the full build." When asked about his total financial investment, Polin simply explained, "I get this question more than you think and I always give the same answer. I stopped adding up the receipts and just focused on the end goal. The value of building this particular car is priceless in my eyes and I do not regret it."
Like the exploration of space or any uncharted territory that just calls to be discovered, we all know that once the modification journey begins it launches a never-ending quest to perform better, handle smoother, shine brighter, and most importantly, inspire with a heightened spirit. After this extensive project, Evan still has items on his list that he wants to apply to his favorite Subaru. Currently, a WRC style V Mount, Wisefab front/rear drop knuckles, and TSS subframes are some additions he felt that were worth a mention, but now matured, experienced, and skilled, it seems like his joy overflows the rim with more comforting goals, "Nowadays I just focus on driving the car, taking it to the track on occasion. It's just a blast to drive." An enthusiast who has both grown to walk the walk and talk the talk with obvious earned authority, Evan Polin has also given the vast Subaru nation a gift by example. He has truly shown how important it is to share your experiences and pass down all your victories and mistakes to ensure those who follow get a proper education and live long to enjoy the lifestyle they work so hard to maintain. "I think that Subaru as a whole...as a community is amazing." he said with pride. "The people you meet are just more friendly and open than other brands. I have met so many amazing people through this experience of owning a Subaru." As a team of enthusiasts, we here at Subimods are repeatedly reminded how grateful we are to meet individuals like Evan. Not only because they are customers, but most importantly, because they are giving back to our faithful dedicated tribe through their knowledge, skills, and creativity. "I've noticed the huge dedication Subimods has to the community and I have even attended one of their more recent track events which was a blast.", he said. People like Evan make our job and the responsibilities we fulfill quietly behind our brand that more enjoyable.
Here is a breakdown list of the parts, components, and upgrades Evan Polin applied to the modification of his vehicle to make it the brilliant 1998 Subaru Impreza WRC Custom that exists today. Abig chunk of inspiration for anyone who would like to take the journey.
Body:
50mm S5 WRC Paneling kit imported
Custom Front and Rear Tubs to accommodate the wider paneling
Under body was stripped, stitch welded, epoxy primed then bed-lined
Custom OEM style fuel door/filler neck (WRC cars did not come with this so it was an add piece)
Custom Skirt molded onto body/quarter panel and sill
S6/P2000 Rear spoiler imported/made by Yuiry aka Antonenko555
S5 WRC Vents Made by Trey aka Bakemono,
WRC Style Carbon fiber mirrors
Door moldings deleted
Antenna deleted
Trunk Keyhole deleted
JDM Bumper Beam Front
JDM Bumper Beam Rear
Cusco V Brace
Lights:
JDM Fluted Headlights
Clear Corner lights
Clear Corner bumper lights
Clear Side Markers
JDM Tail Lights
Custom rear license plate lights
Engine:
EJ207 V7 Shortblock/ HKS pistons/ pauter rods (assembled by Evan in his living room)
22b STI heads big port heads with 272 billet cams with full GSC valve train / beehive springs, polished valves/upgraded valve guides (done by Outfront Motorsport)
Tomei EL Header/Up-pipe/38mm Tial wastegate
ID 1300cc injectors, 525 lph fuel pump
Spec C long runner intake manifold
FP Green with advanced port Cobb EBC
Spearco TMIC
Haltech elite 2500 (tuned by Jay Perry)
Aluminum Radiator/Shroud with Slim fans
Group N Engine mounts
Drivetrain:
JDM Version 9 STI Spec C DCCD 6 Speed
R180 Differential
JDM STI 5x100 Hubs (to run speedlines)
Group N Transmission mount
Kartboy Transmission Brace Bushings
Wheels:
Speedline Type 2013C, 18x8, 5x100, ET11.6 (Imported from Speedline Corse in the UK)
Tires:
Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 245/40R18
Suspension/Subframes:
2016 STI Steering Rack
Feal Racing Suspension Coilovers
2004 Aluminum STI Front Control arms
Whiteline Front Sway bar
Whiteline Sway bar links
Whiteline Rear Adjustable lateral links
STI Rear Sway bar Perrin Sway bar links (Rear)
GD Subframes with new bushing, front subframe (modified to fit the quick rack)
Whiteline Ball Joints
Interior:
GD STI Seats 22B STI Door Sill Trims
JDM GC8 Nardi Steering Wheel
JDM GC8 STI Gauge cluster
JDM double cup holder
Custom triple gauge pod, with functioning cubby/tilt action
Zealous Interiors Shift boot
AutoPower V1 Roll Bar
OEM Carbon style shift boot trim
Custom flush mount OEM style 3rd brake light
Headliner Rewrapped
A very special “Thank You” to Evan Polin for getting involved in our "Customer Profile" series and choosing Subimods to help bring his 1998 Subaru Impreza WRC Custom closer to fulfilling his modification dreams.
As always, our dedicated team of enthusiasts strive to provide aftermarket solutions to customers who want to take their Subaru to new heights of performance and style. It doesn't matter if you need to create a new, more exciting, daily drive, give yourself a more exciting weekend on the track, or discover a new view of the wilderness through an overland experience, we've got you covered.
We would be very interested in your thoughts regarding this article and would encourage your feedback and comments regarding your Subaru and what your modification experiences have been during your car's lifetime.
If you need more information regarding aftermarket parts for your Subaru, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your platform. We would be happy to serve you!
Write your comments below and continue this conversation. We are always thrilled to hear your opinions. THANK YOU!
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Bryon Turcotte - Marketing Writer/Analyst
Turcotte has worked as a writer, journalist, and digital content developer for 30 years. He began his career in music journalism in 1995 then worked for several years as a staff writer, managing editor, and a freelancer for both regional and national music publications. Over the next three decades his contributions extended beyond the music industry as he served within the realms of higher education, science and technology, manufacturing, and finance. He has been serving as a content developer and writer on the Subimods Marketing team since August 2023.
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